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Masters of Public Administration in Development Practice

The Masters of Public Administration in Development Practice(MPA-DP) is part of an internationally recognised affiliation of programmes working in line with Columbia and the MDP (Master of Development Practice) Global Association. You will have the opportunity to undertake disparate modules in areas of practical concern to those working in the field of development; including finance, management, health, natural science, economic, legal, political and statistical modules.

Scholarships: the Graduate School offers two 50% EU fee scholarships to EU and Non-EU students. Terms and conditions apply. Please contact mdp@ucd.ie for further information.

Who is the MPA in Development Practice for?

This is an ideal programme for recent graduates who plan to make a meaningful contribution to global poverty reduction. It also appeals to those already working in the development sector who want to enhance their skill set and bolster their career. Our central aim is to produce masters graduates with both the theoretical insight and practical skills that will enable them to successfully pursue a career in international development practice.

What will I learn?

Core Modules:

Economic & Policy Analysis I & II

Introduction to Statistics

NGOs: Law, Governance & Social

Global Health

Fieldwork I

Thesis

Students choose one of the following specialisations:

Global Public Health

Environment, Agriculture and Development

Conflict/Post-Conflict and Development

Development Policy Impact and Evaluation

How will I learn?

You will have an opportunity to demonstrate your progress in a range of alternative learning environments; including a UN-Training School field simulation, a problem-based learning simulation of a global negotiating process, hands-on fieldwork, and two placements; one within-country placement in year one and an internship in an international organisation in year two. In the “Global Classroom” module, you will connect with students from other programmes in the Global MDP association through an e-learning programme where students participate in lectures and discussion.

The programme also involves traditional written assessment, in the form of exams, essays and a 20-credit thesis at the end of year two.

Where can I go?

Graduates of the programme are equipped to be sustainable development practitioners within the finance and planning departments of governments, as well as within the non-profit sector. An advantage of the programme is that you can tailor your studies through the specializations in year two, according to the career you want to pursue.

Admissions

This programme is intended for applicants with an upper second class honours or international equivalent in a primary degree in a relevant subject such as archaeology, development studies, economics, EU studies, geography, global studies, history, international relations, law, philosophy, political science, public policy,social science, sociology.

Relevant professional experience may also be taken into account.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent. Exceptional cases will be decided on a case-by-case basis